USA Travel Guide

Eat Up! is a series dedicated to great American food destinations.

San Francisco struck us as the right place to begin our series on food destinations because it embodies the theory behind the series that letting local custom lead you is the quickest path to culinary enlightenment.

Case in point, you can find anything in San Francisco. From southern soul to fussy French fare, you can find it in the City by the Bay. However, you’ll be most rewarded by embracing what’s unique about the city, just as local chefs have for decades. Like most coastal cities, San Francisco is a terrific place to acquire top-notch seafood, so much so that there are two completely different local delicacies you must make time for:

#1 Sushi – These days you can find a decent sushi joint in El Paso, Texas, but San Francisco stands above as a city that really knows its stuff. Head to the Richmond District and you can find a quality shop on practically ever corner (and competition breeds good deals).

#2 Clam Chowder – You’ll find a sensational bowl of this New England favorite at any number of places in the Fisherman’s Wharf district, which is convenient because that’s also a great place to stay. (Segue!)

In general, San Francisco is a classy place to stay and there are loads of good lodging options. On the Wharf, we like the San Francisco Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf for an upscale San Francisco hotel experience. Smoke-free, pet-friendly, the whole works.

As always, we’re look for good family-friendly options, so among San Francisco hotels you could also do well at the Holiday Inn San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf. If you need a budget-conscious Fisherman’s Wharf hotel, try the Holiday Inn’s neighbor, the Holiday Inn Express Fisherman’s Wharf Hotel.

More good eats on the way…